I’ve written previously on this topic, I’m going to give some further information here. Yes, most hotels nowadays provide WiFi and most are free (except the rather expensive ones), but if you want to navigate with maps on the streets, find recommended restaurants, research travel information or plan for your itinerary tomorrow, etc, you need internet access on the road (or all the time). Hence renting a SIM card or a WiFi router for overseas travel is becoming more popular. So what are the choices and expenses?…
Some FAQ here:-
- SIM, WiFi dongle or WiFi Router ? – WiFi router which provides WiFi access for typically 5 to 10 devices (mobiles, tablets, etc) is a simple and straight-forward solution and is compatible to all WiFi capable devices. A network enabled dongle (rather than just a WiFi adaptor) is typically provided by a network provider such as CSL Netvigator for plugging into the USB port of a PC or laptop to communicate to internet via the SIM built into the dongle. It typically only serves the particular connected device. SIM card would be placed inside your mobile (which has to be compatible with the particular network of that country- most latest models should be but safer to check first), you need to do some simple settings and you need to enable tether to share the WiFi with other devices- sometimes, it’s not that stable, and in some combinations (of SIM and providers) may not allow tethering especially on iPhones. WiFi routers eat up battery faster and if you’re not driving (i.e. can charge it from the cigarette lighter), you’d be recommended to get a spare battery along. WiFi router rentals are more expensive (typically 60% more than SIM), require return and you may want to pay more for insurance. Get your friends to share the data access and costs!
- Which providers/networks? – depends on the country you visit and the area (urban or rural) too. For example, for Japan urban cities, all big 3 (Docomo, Au, Softbank) are about the same, but in rural areas such as Kyushu, you need to check and the app below seems to say Docomo followed by Au have more areas covered). I cannot cover all countries here as there are simply too many, but you can go to Open Signal site and check the coverage and ranking map for the country you want information, you can also install the OpenSignal app (Android here; iPhone here) on your mobile.
- Where to rent WiFi routers? – As demands increase, so are providers. Typically, you can pick up the device upon your arrival, e.g. in most airports in Japan and Korea. In Hong Kong and Taiwan, there are several companies that provide rental and pickup here before you travel, this may be more fail-safe in case your plane delays and the pick up counter is closed. I’ve found an useful summary/survey of providers, and their pros and cons – well worth a read, here. you can find links to some providers too. Typically, you can attend their office in Hong Kong on the day before you travel to get the device and return it the day after you return to HK. Telecom Square is a large company providing most options/models and support to worldwide (not just Japan and Korea), but they are relatively expensive。
- Where to buy SIM? – Typically, you buy this upon arrival at the airport (easiest), or at large local chain stores such as Bic Camera in Japan where they have a few choices and usually their prices should be cheapest often offering discounts. Get the staff there to install and set the phone for you would be the simplest. You can of course buy them before travel if they are commonly available where you live, e.g. in Hong Kong, there’re plenty of stores and online too (e.g. this one shared by my friend – for for price checking too) selling them at much discounted prices (from the marked price), e.g. in Hong Kong, you can find stores in Apliu Street, Shamshuipo (by far cheapest as competition amongst the dozens of shops/stalls is always keen), shops in Mongkok (e.g. Pioneer Centre), Causeway Bay (behind Regal Hotel), etc.
So don’t get caught without internet access the next time you travel!
Sources and Credits
全港最抵 最多款全球各國電話卡 旅游數據上網卡 DataSIM. (2018). Datasimstore.com. Retrieved 6 November 2018, from https://www.datasimstore.com/
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